Guys,
You can laugh and make fun all you want, I can take it. I know what works for me and for years all I have ever used on a car is polish. I do not use wax.

Below is an instruction form the FAQs on the Zaino web site:

Q: I'd like a show car finish. What products do I need?

A: For the ultimate in show car appearance, it is vital to get the cleanest and smoothest finish possible. We recommend washing the car with original blue Liquid Dawn only for this initial cleaning (elsewhere on the web site it is stated that this will be the only time Dawn will be used). Once you have your vehicle completely washed, follow up with the Z-18 Claybar, to remove any surface contamination. Follow up the Z-18 Claybar with a thorough wash using our Z-7 Show Car Wash.

For any Zaino polish application, it's critical to include either ZFX OR Z-1 Polish Lok. For that show car finish, we prefer to use ZFX with Z-2 Show Car Polish. ZFX replaces Z-1 and is superior to Z-1. Z-2 Show Car Polish should be applied with our 314 Polish Aplicator pad. The key to our ultimate shine, is multiple thin layers of Z-2, with Z-6 between application. The results with just two coats of Z-2 are amazing.

If your finish contains fine scratches or swirl marks, Z-5 Show Car Polish will safely fill and level minor imperfections. As you layer Z-5, these imperfections will disappear!
:

Furthermore, if you go to Zaino's web site (http://www.zainobros.com/) you will see they do not even offer a a wax. I don't know anyone who would not agree that Zaino makes some of the best car care products available. If Zaino does not offer a wax and make no mention of using wax on a car I would skip the wax.

IF i absolutely DONT want to use Dawn to wash the car, what options do i have out there that would make zaino stick to the paint?

I don't use Dawn either. Don't like what it does to the softer rubber trim. I use a concentrated dose of car shampoo. usually CGCW&G:http://www.chemicalguys.com/Premium_...cws_301_16.htm
If that doesnt work (i.e. you have still water beading after wash suggesting leftover LSP), just use a 1:1 mix of Isopropyl alcohol and water in a spray bottle and wipe with it. Works for me every time. You rarely have to do it anyway unless you're doing a full detail or want to go with a straight carnauba wax. Zaino can be layered and works very well as far as durability goes. Lately, I've been using Blackfire Wet Diamond Sealant.(BFWD). I recommend it highly (easier to use than Zaino, and more reflective (IMO)).
Here's a thread from today regarding stripping LSP from a detailers forum:http://www.autopia.org/forum/car-det...vs-cg-cwd.html

There are products made specifically to remove waxes and synthetic sealants before polishing. Dawn makes the process a LOT faster. Also, if you're doing a full detail your'e treating the rubber as well, correct? That will restore anything the Dawn may have removed. I am by no means saying use Dawn for every wash, but a couple of times a year before a detail is fine.

Also, claying and polishing will remove waxes and sealants as well so you don't technically have to do a "wax/sealant stripping" phase.

Guys,
You can laugh and make fun all you want, I can take it. I know what works for me and for years all I have ever used on a car is polish. I do not use wax.

Below is an instruction form the FAQs on the Zaino web site:

Q: I'd like a show car finish. What products do I need?

A: For the ultimate in show car appearance, it is vital to get the cleanest and smoothest finish possible. We recommend washing the car with original blue Liquid Dawn only for this initial cleaning (elsewhere on the web site it is stated that this will be the only time Dawn will be used). Once you have your vehicle completely washed, follow up with the Z-18 Claybar, to remove any surface contamination. Follow up the Z-18 Claybar with a thorough wash using our Z-7 Show Car Wash.

For any Zaino polish application, it's critical to include either ZFX OR Z-1 Polish Lok. For that show car finish, we prefer to use ZFX with Z-2 Show Car Polish. ZFX replaces Z-1 and is superior to Z-1. Z-2 Show Car Polish should be applied with our 314 Polish Aplicator pad. The key to our ultimate shine, is multiple thin layers of Z-2, with Z-6 between application. The results with just two coats of Z-2 are amazing.

If your finish contains fine scratches or swirl marks, Z-5 Show Car Polish will safely fill and level minor imperfections. As you layer Z-5, these imperfections will disappear!
:

Furthermore, if you go to Zaino's web site (http://www.zainobros.com/) you will see they do not even offer a a wax. I don't know anyone who would not agree that Zaino makes some of the best car care products available. If Zaino does not offer a wax and make no mention of using wax on a car I would skip the wax.

The problem with using Zaino as a reference is they unfortunately use the word polish and sealant interchangeably to describe their products. A polish should do just that, add luster to the paint by chemically cleaning the paint or using fine abrasives to add luster. Zaino markets its "Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish" as a polish but its really a sealant. The instruction for Z-2
state
"APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

A little goes a long way. We've engineered Z-2 PRO™ to be extremely efficient. While applying Z-2 PRO™, do your best to apply very thin, even layers. As you become more familiar with the product, a single eight-ounce bottle will do a Corvette 20 times. Remember - when in doubt, use less. If your car's surface isn't in optimal condition, take the necessary steps to correct any imperfections before applying Z-2 PRO. For best results, always precede an application of Z-2 PRO™ with a Z-7 Show Car Wash. This will ensure the surface is free of any contaminants or incompatible oils/deposits. Z-2 PRO™ contains no cleaners, and no abrasives, therefore the surface must be in good condition before you apply Z-2 PRO™. "

As can be seen from the bold type Z-2 is really a sealant more than a polish, it may add to the gloss but it is not polishing the paint. The "Z-5™ PRO Show Car Polish" is what's typically referred to as an all in one product in that it both polishes the paint (chemically) and has some protection. But even Zaino's site recommends following Z-5 with Z-2 for added protection and gloss. I can understand the confusion this creates but blanket statements that wax is as bad as dish soap, or you only need polish to protect your car are just incorrect.

Also, 99.9% of the difference is how you use what you have, not what you use. Some peopel swear by Mother's, some will tell you Meg's is nothing but snake oil and then there are those will ONLY use boutique products. A lot of it is preference. HGSG, while a MONSTER pain in the ass to deal with, gives a high-gloss, slick, durable finish with great shine. #21 isn't nearly as slick but has amazing depth that I can't get with anything else.

Menzerna's sealant and blackfire wet diamond both last as long, look better and are under $35 a bottle. Zaino imho has a very distinct look that I don't like. It appears to be a very sterile shine without depth or wetness.

Also, 99.9% of the difference is how you use what you have, not what you use. Some peopel swear by Mother's, some will tell you Meg's is nothing but snake oil and then there are those will ONLY use boutique products. A lot of it is preference. HGSG, while a MONSTER pain in the ass to deal with, gives a high-gloss, slick, durable finish with great shine. #21 isn't nearly as slick but has amazing depth that I can't get with anything else.

#21 is, by far, the easiest product to use I've ever tried. And it's not even close. It even comes off easily if you accidentally apply it too thick. It even wipes off of rubber trim pretty easily. Absolutely fantastic product. If you try it, do at least 3 layers but you need to wait 24 hours for curing between layers.

#20 is the same product but with a mild cleaning ability so you can't layer it but if you're only doing a single layer and you don't need any real polishing then #20 is a good alternative. I'vw only ever found it at body shop supply stores or online but it's usually about $15-$16 per bottle. Same for #21.